subject: Why Icao Audit Is Held Sacrosanct? [print this page] International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducts the safety audit of the airlines. It is one of its main functions to ensure that all things are in place for safe operations of the airlines. This international body gives the notice of its audit one year in advance of the schedule to the governments so as to enable them to prepare for the audit. Why is this audit important? What happens when the audit report is not good for the airlines of a particular country?
There are many reasons why this safety audit is necessary. First, it helps in completely reviewing the whole gamut of processes, systems and personnel from the point of view of airline safety. In the normal course of their business, despite safety aspects being high on priority, do not find time for complete audit. ICAO audit does that exercise for the aviation industry as a whole.
Second, there has been tremendous growth in global civil aviation in the recent times. The emergence of budget airlines promising cheap air tickets to the customers has further necessitated the requirement of audit. Due to their business model of providing the lowest air fare, it needs to be ensured that these airlines do not circumvent the necessary safety maintenance and repairs. ICAO audit ensures that all prescribed safety rules are followed.
Third, there are international ramifications of the audit. If the audit report is negative or reflects poorly or is skeptical about the safety of the airlines of a country, then the other countries are free to take action which might even mean banning the flights of the airlines from operating from their airports. Besides the international ramifications, there is expectedly loss of credibility in the domestic operations as well. The domestic carriers might see a decline in the number of passengers booking the cheap air tickets. This adversely affects revenue generation and profits of the airlines.
Fourth, by identifying the gaps, it is able to bring out the requirement of improvement in various areas of aviation industry. Using a comprehensive approach, the audit gives a chance to the governments and aviation regulators for complete overview of safety aspects. It also helps the government in formulation of aviation policies that promote safety.
ICAO audits shall be welcomed and the suggestions given in the audit shall be held sacrosanct by the airlines since it helps in improving their credibility in their target market. If these are not taken seriously, the airline might lose passengers even if these provide lowest air fare on tickets. So, the audit is taken seriously due to its widespread implications.
